Four years after being one of the Chicago Bears’ top picks, safety Jaquan Brisker is starting a new chapter as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A native of Pittsburgh, it is a homecoming for the former Penn State Nittany Lion.
But Chicago was his first NFL home, and the Bears his first NFL franchise. Those are two things that can never be taken away, and that Brisker suggested he will keep with him for the remainder of his career.
Jaquan Brisker Sends Message to Bears Fans
Ex-Bears SAF Jaquan Brisker Shares Heartfelt Message
The Bears selected Brisker with the 48th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he became a starter right out of the gate. In total, Brisker–who turned 27 in April, started all 52 of the games that he played in for the Bears.
That says nothing of the practices, teammates, coaches, and bumps and bruises that he endured along the way.
Perhaps understandably, then, Brisker took some time before saying goodbye.
Brisker shared what he framed as a “very very overdue” message to Bears fans and the city of Chicago, who he says “deserve this,” presumably referring to his post, adding “it’s been nothing but love” since he was drafted, which he called his “DREAM,” and the “wonderful years” after.
“Everything we been through from the start to get to here, it’s been a JOURNEY! One where these memories will last forever” Brisker posted on X on July 18. “Can’t say enough but great things about the city of Chicago and their beautiful fans! I Appreciate the fans for always showing up, no matter what you guys stay true! I mean it from the bottom of my heart, I will forever love you 🫶🏽 all the memories, everything.”
Brisker noted how “special” it was to see fans in his jersey, and expressing that he felt he “left it better than what I found it.”
He also thanked his former Bears teammates–a list that includes wide receiver Jahdae Walker, who has taken over his No. 9 jersey–calling them his “brothers,” and the organization who brought him into the league.
“Y’all changed my life,” Brisker said. “Forever a bear. This will always be my home.”
Bears Banking on New-Look Group
The Bears changed over their safety room this offseason, but there is no guarantee they have replaced the leadership and passion that Brisker brought.
Newcomer and free agent signing Coby Bryant is embracing the challenge of being a leader for the new-look secondary, while rookie first-round pick Dillon Thieneman underscores how the Bears are going in a different direction with the kind of player they want back there.
Neither plays with (or projects to play with, in Thieneman’s case) Brisker’s physicality.
That does not mean the Bears cannot or will not be successful with Bryant and Thieneman, whom figure to be better in coverage than their predecessors.
Such is life in the NFL, where sentimentality rarely if ever takes precedence over the business side. Brisker saw teammates come and go during his time with the Bears. This offseason, it just so happened to be his turn. Now, he will look to impact the Steelers just like he did the Bears.
